Coming back to school – advice for parents and carers

We are really looking forward to the 8th March when we can all be back together in school but we recognise for some children, and their families, this may cause some worry. We have been thinking about what we can do to help you prepare your children for the return to school in March after such a long time at home.

There are some really important things that you can be doing that we hope will help listed below.

Talk with your child about how they feel about coming back to school:

• Listen to them and acknowledge their thoughts, let them know you have heard what they have to say and that you understand.
• Reassure them that feeling like this is normal and that others will be feeling this way too.
• Don’t feel you have to be able to fix things – sometimes this is not possible and just listening is enough.
• Tell them that their teachers know they might be worried and that they will be there to help them.
• Praise your child for sharing their worries with you.

Plan ahead for your child’s return to school:

• In the week leading up to coming back, do the journey to school together again, it may be sometime since you last took this route.
• If your child is very anxious, build this up gradually, walking a little further each time.
• Enjoy the walk together, make it fun, play games along the way or think about something they are looking forward to.
• If possible, meet up with a friend in the week before so they have contact with another child in their class.
• Prepare any new equipment you might need and make sure you have it all packed the day before to save any rushing about on the first morning back!
• Try on new uniform and new shoes in plenty of time so they feel happy and comfortable.
• Talk to them positively about school and encourage them to think of three good things they are looking forward to.
• Begin to re-establish a school bed-time routine if you normally have a later bedtime in the holidays.
• Let school know if lockdown has been challenging for you and/or your child by emailing us (see below).

The night before:

• Enjoy the evening together as a family, play a game or enjoy a film or TV programme together.
• Try to settle your child for an early night, share a bedtime story with them after they have had a relaxing bath or shower.
• Be prepared to spend a little extra time with them as they settle to sleep.
• If they take a packed lunch, make sure this is already planned to ensure a stress-free morning.
• Make sure you know what drop-off time your child has and where to go.

On the morning:

• Help your child to stay as calm as possible.
• If your child is anxious reassure them simply and calmly that all will be well, try not to become overly worried yourself as this may escalate the situation.
• Enjoy breakfast together.
• Make sure they have everything with them (bag, equipment, trainers, packed lunch).
• Set off in plenty of time for their drop-off so you aren’t in a rush.
• Keep the conversation positive and focus on the things they are looking forward to.

Below is a range of information related to the schools approach to reopening in September. Please remember we are here to help and support you. If you have any questions or comments regarding the information please email headteacher@harcourt.kent.sch.uk